The emergence of the IoT means networks must handle billions more devices.

Network operators are under pressure to reduce operational expenditure, as users don't wish to pay more for increased services.

Operators also need new applications for mobile technology, opening up new revenue streams.

5G aims at total availability. 5G should offer a user experience near that of fixed networks with near total 5G coverage, cater for massive deployment of Internet of Things, while still offering acceptable levels of energy consumption, equipment cost and network deployment and operation cost to ensure the service can be provided economically.

Who is interested in using 5G?

5G offers network operators the potential to offer new services to new categories of users.

5G involves the development of a new radio interface (NR), the enhancement of current LTE Advanced Pro radio, and the development of a new core network architecture.

The first phase of 5G specifications in Release-15 will be completed by September 2018, to accommodate early commercial deployment.

The second phase in Release-16 will be completed by March 2020, for submission to the ITU as a candidate IMT-2020 technology.

However, 3GPP will already approve specifications for Non-Standalone New Radio (NR) in March 2018. 5G standardization will continue well beyond these dates, with constant evolution of the system, as for 4G and 3G before it.